Staff Reports
Memorial Day is a time when Americans pay tribute to the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives while serving the country. However, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris chose to use the day to remember George Floyd, whose death sparked protests and violence across the nation.
Town Hall: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris's Memorial Day Message Shouldn't Surprise You https://t.co/9DQct7xjVk
— Ian Hansen 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansenFeed) May 26, 2024
Biden stated that George Floyd “should be alive,” despite evidence showing he had a lethal amount of fentanyl in his system and had resisted arrest. The President also declared that Floyd “changed the world,” and urged others to act in his memory. Some have criticized this approach, arguing that it does not appropriately honor the sacrifices of military personnel.
The President and Vice President also emphasized their dedication to creating a justice system that they believe aligns with Floyd’s legacy. Harris mentioned their progress in “building a justice system that lives up to its name,” and expressed the need to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
This approach has prompted mixed reactions from the public, with some expressing disagreement and concern over the emphasis on Floyd’s memory on Memorial Day. Many feel that the day should focus solely on honoring the military, and that the discussion of Floyd’s death is inappropriate as part of the Memorial Day commemoration.
